What is sociology, really?
Sociology is the study of human behavior in social contexts. It looks at how individuals interact within groups, communities, and larger institutions like schools, governments, or the economy. It’s about understanding how identity, culture, and power influence people and how those patterns shape our world.
What is a sociology major?
A sociology major dives into the theories, methods, and real-world applications of studying society. You’ll analyze how race, gender, class, politics, and culture affect individuals and communities. Whether through reading foundational thinkers or conducting your own fieldwork, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of people and systems—and how to spark change within them.
What courses and concentrations will I find?
Every program is different, but here are some common courses and concentrations you might encounter as a sociology major:
- Intro to Sociology: Your foundational class on social systems and group behavior.
- Social Theory: Think Karl Marx, Max Weber, and W.E.B. Du Bois.
- Race, Class, and Gender: How identity intersects with systems of power.
- Urban Sociology: Cities, housing, and population movement.
- Criminology: The study of crime, justice, and corrections.
- Concentrations: You might focus on areas like health and society, education, or environmental justice.
The big ideas behind the major
Sociology isn’t just about learning facts—it’s about developing a lens to view the world. Common themes include:
- Inequality and social justice: Understanding and addressing disparities in opportunity and treatment.
- Social change: What drives activism, movements, and cultural shifts.
- Institutions: How schools, families, governments, and religion shape individuals.
- Cultural norms: The “invisible rules” that govern behavior.
Research skills students learn in sociology
Sociology majors often collect and analyze both qualitative and quantitative data. You’ll likely study:
- Research methods: How to design studies, conduct interviews, and write reports.
- Statistics: Understanding patterns, trends, and social correlations.
- Critical analysis: Learning to ask deep questions and challenge assumptions.
These skills can be a huge asset in grad school, public policy, law, or marketing—basically, anywhere you need to understand people.
Is sociology right for me?
This major is great for students who are:
- Curious about people, systems, and culture
- Strong communicators and writers
- Interested in social issues or advocacy work
- Drawn to careers that involve helping others or driving change
What other fields go well with a sociology major?
Sociology pairs well with a lot of other fields. Some popular double majors and minors include:
What are my career options in sociology?
Not sure what to do with a sociology degree? You’ve got options. Here are some sociology careers that graduates pursue:
- Social worker or case manager
- Policy analyst or nonprofit coordinator
- Human resources or DEI specialist
- Market researcher or data analyst
- Community organizer or outreach director
- Criminal justice advocate or legal assistant
And if you’re thinking long-term, sociology sets you up well for grad school in fields like law, social work, public administration, or education.
A strong foundation for graduate school
If you're considering grad school, a sociology background gives you an edge. You’ll already be trained in research, analysis, and writing—skills valued in:
- Law school
- Public policy programs
- Social work or counseling degrees
- Sociology or anthropology master’s/PhD programs
Schools known for sociology programs
You don’t have to attend a top-ranked university to study sociology well. Notable schools with solid sociology programs include:
To start your search, check out the Scout College Search tool by Sallie.
How do I fund my sociology degree?
Looking for free money for school? Sallie has your back with scholarship tools made for students just like you.
Why sociology matters
Whether you want to change the world or just understand it better, a sociology major gives you tools to think critically, act compassionately, and work toward meaningful change. It’s more than a major—it’s a mindset. And it might just be the perfect one for you.
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